Struggles & Joys

Topic Description

As we journey through life, we experience unpredictable struggles and unexpected joys, and both transform us. How do we cope with the hard times? And how do we open wide to joy? Read here my thoughts on life’s varied experiences.

Did you know that the word patience literally means “long-suffering”? Not suffering that we can cut short with anger or rudeness or leaving the scene or hanging up. Oh no. Patience (the kind the Holy Spirit gives) refers to the ability to cope with suffering that persists, suffering with no end in sight. You’ll find a lot of suffering on earth, but not much long-suffering. On earth patience is a rare commodity. In heaven it’s disappeared entirely.

We feel entitled to a particular pleasure. Others don’t cooperate. And we get mad. Just like James says: selfish pursuit of pleasure leads to conflict. Our hedonistic striving ignores the fact that pleasure is God’s gift … not our acquisition. Our efforts to satisfy ourselves in effect shut God out of our lives and break His heart. We misunderstand Him: God isn’t anti-pleasure; He’s simply anti-hedonism.